NFA quarterback Anderson leads way in rout of Pine Bush

NEWBURGH — Newburgh Free Academy football coach Bill Bianco has been playfully getting on quarterback Terry Anderson about finding a way to make defenders miss him.

Anderson learned that speed and not giving up on a play can lead to great results. He scored on three runs, including a beauty of an 82-yard sideline burst that blew open the game in the third quarter, as Newburgh rolled to a 34-7 victory over Pine Bush in a battle of unbeatens and state-ranked teams Friday night.

Newburgh turned the game in a 2:00 span covering both halves. Anderson engineered a six-play, 56-yard drive in the final 3:00 of the second quarter. Jadon Munroe won the race to the right pylon for a 7-yard score 37 seconds before the gun and a 21-7 halftime lead.

Newburgh got the second-half kickoff. On the third snap, Anderson noticed his defensive shadow was playing too far inside so he took it outside, gained the corner and raced 82 yards down the Pine Bush sideline for a 27-7 lead.

“The outside backer started to come in,’’ Anderson said, “and I had to bounce the run outside and I was just able to make a big play like that,’’ he said. Reminded that he had to tip-toe the sideline on his cut, Anderson said, “Hey, it’s just what I do, man, it’s what I do.’’

The confidence is starting to come out for Anderson, who took over at quarterback this season after having never played the position.

“I think the more familiarity he gets with (the new offense), you are going to see more of his talents come out when he’s comfortable,’’ Bianco said.

Anderson had 16 carries for 201 yards, which included scoring runs of 15 and 33 yards in the first half. He completed 4-of-8 throws for 71 yards and was intercepted once.

“I just got to keep doing what I am doing,’’ Anderson said. “I know my team is behind me, my coach is behind me and I have the whole city behind me. I am going to keep working my way up.’’

The loss should serve as a re-set for Pine Bush, said coach Jim Wright.

“I know some people don’t want to hear it,’’ Wright said, “but you have to go through these moments to get better. Failure is a step in the process to success. That’s how I feel about it.’’

Pine Bush, coming off a 506-yard rushing effort against Valley Central, was held to 224 rushing yards. Workhorse Xavier Martinez had 20 carries for 104 yards. He had a 5-yard scoring run in the second quarter and nearly broke a third-quarter scoring run before being stopped after a gain of 33. The Bushmen were only 2-for-10 on third-down conversions.

Newburgh will play at Cornwall next Saturday in a matchup of defending Section 9 champions. Pine Bush will host Middletown on Saturday night.